PCB unveils complete schedule for PSL 2024; Lahore Qalandars will battle Islamabad United in the opener

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled, on Friday (January 12), the highly anticipated and meticulously crafted schedule for the forthcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 edition, poised to commence its cricketing extravaganza on February 17.

The inaugural contest will witness the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars, crossing swords with the formidable two-time (2016 and 2018) titlist, Islamabad United, in a riveting clash at the venerable Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Cricket extravaganza across four cities

An official press release from the PCB affirmed that the grand spectacle of PSL 2024 will unfold across four distinguished cities, namely Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi. At the illustrious National Bank Stadium in Karachi, the final showdown will transpire on March 18. With a total of 34 matches ready to captivate cricket enthusiasts, Karachi assumes the lion’s share by hosting 11 pivotal encounters, including the Qualifier, two Eliminators, and the climactic final.

High-stakes encounters

Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi will serve as the distinguished canvases for nine games each. Furthermore, the culturally rich city of Multan is bestowed with the honor of hosting five enthralling fixtures. Among the marquee clashes in this cricketing odyssey, the much-anticipated Lahore versus the Karachi Kings encounter is slated for February 24 and March 9, gracing the esteemed grounds of Gaddafi Stadium and National Bank Stadium, respectively.

Also READ: Karachi Kings announces a new captain ahead of the PSL 2024

PSL 2024: A tale of two legs

Embarking on a two-legged journey, the first phase will unfold in Multan and Lahore, playing host to 14 riveting matches from February 17 to 27. Subsequently, the cricketing caravan will traverse to Rawalpindi and Karachi, wherein the remaining 16 group stage games will ensue between February 28 and March 12. Subsequently, the action will shift entirely to Gaddafi Stadium.

Zaka Ashraf’s enthusiasm and vision

Chairman of the PCB managing committee, Zaka Ashraf, expressed profound exhilaration for the commencement of the ninth season of PSL, recognizing its pivotal role in championing grassroots cricket and the strategic dispersal of fixtures across these four distinguished cricketing hub.

“We are thrilled to announce that the HBL Pakistan Super League’s ninth edition is set to kick off on February 17, showcasing the best of T20 cricket in four cities across Pakistan. The decision to host the marquee event across these cities is a testament to our commitment to bring top-notch cricket to fans across the country,” Ashraf was quoted as saying by pcb.com.pk.

We believe that hosting matches in these venues not only adds to the excitement for fans but also promotes cricket at the grassroots level. As we gear up for this spectacular event, we look forward to witnessing thrilling action and creating unforgettable moments for cricket enthusiasts worldwide,” the 71-year-old concluded.

Complete schedule of PSL 2024:

February 17: Lahore Qalandars v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

February 18: Quetta Gladiators v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore ( 2:30 pm IST / 9: 00 am GMT / 2: 00 pm Local)

February 18: Multan Sultans v Karachi Kings, Multan Cricket Stadium (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

February 19: Lahore Qalandars v Quetta Gladiators, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

February 20: Multan Sultans v Islamabad United, Multan Cricket Stadium (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

February 21: Peshawar Zalmi v Karachi Kings, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore ( 2:30 pm IST / 9: 00 am GMT / 2: 00 pm Local)

February 21: Multan Sultans v Lahore Qalandars, Multan Cricket Stadium (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

February 22: Quetta Gladiators v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

February 23: Multan Sultans v Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Cricket Stadium (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

February 24: Lahore Qalandars v Karachi Kings, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

February 25: Multan Sultans v Quetta Gladiators, Multan Cricket Stadium ( 2:30 pm IST / 9: 00 am GMT / 2: 00 pm Local)

February 25: Lahore Qalandars v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

February 26: Peshawar Zalmi v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

February 27: Lahore Qalandars v Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

February 28: Karachi Kings v Islamabad United, National Bank Stadium (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

February 29: Karachi Kings v Quetta Gladiators, National Bank Stadium (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

March 2: Peshawar Zalmi v Lahore Qalandars, Pindi Cricket Stadium ( 2:30 pm IST / 9: 00 am GMT / 2: 00 pm Local)

March 2: Islamabad United v Quetta Gladiators, Pindi Cricket Stadium (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

March 3: Karachi Kings v Multan Sultans, National Bank Stadium (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

March 4: Islamabad United v Peshawar Zalmi, Pindi Cricket Stadium (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

March 5: Peshawar Zalmi v Multan Sultans, Pindi Cricket Stadium (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

March 6: Quetta Gladiators v Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium ( 2:30 pm IST / 9: 00 am GMT / 2: 00 pm Local)

March 6: Islamabad United v Lahore Qalandars, Pindi Cricket Stadium (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

March 7: Islamabad United v Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

March 8: Peshawar Zalmi v Quetta Gladiators, Pindi Cricket Stadium (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

March 9: Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars, National Bank Stadium (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

March 10: Islamabad United v Multan Sultans, Pindi Cricket Stadium ( 2:30 pm IST / 9: 00 am GMT / 2: 00 pm Local)

March 10: Quetta Gladiators v Lahore Qalandars, National Bank Stadium (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

March 11: Karachi Kings v Peshawar Zalmi, National Bank Stadium (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

March 12: Quetta Gladiators v Multan Sultans, National Bank Stadium (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

March 14: Qualifier (1 v 2), National Bank Stadium (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

March 15: Eliminator 1 (3 v 4), National Bank Stadium (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

March 16: Eliminator 2 (Eliminator Winner v Qualifier Runner-up), National Bank Stadium (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

March 18: Final, National Bank Stadium (8:00 pm IST/ 2: 30 pm GMT / 7:30 pm Local)

Also READ: PSL 2024: Complete squads of all six teams after players’ draft